City to move kiosk

The removal of a kiosk, hiring a new insurance consultant and the 2013 election schedule rounded out Monday’s meeting of the Sault Ste. Marie City Commission.

The kiosk which currently sits on Ashmun Street at the Arlington intersection was recommended for removal by the Downtown Development Authority as its presence has impacted at least one nearby business. City Manager Spencer Nebel indicated the kiosk could be moved to another location along Ashmun Street or perhaps even to the Kids’ Fishing Pond at Rotary Park if the commission approved of this action.

Commissioner Jeff Stefanski said he didn’t think too many people would be upset if the kiosk disappeared from that location and proposed moving it closer to the Easterday intersection near Soo SuperValu.

Mayor Anthony Bosbous quickly agreed, saying it made sense to keep it on Ashmun Street.

No timetable was officially established for the removal of the kiosk.

The commission also unanimously approved a proposal from Pointe Counseling Services of Grosse Pointe for insurance consulting services. While the $10,300 price tag may have seemed high, Nebel explained the city has seen substantial savings over the years from utilizing a consultant for this purpose.

In the mid-1990s, Nebel explained, the city was paying around $180,000 for its various insurance packages. In hiring a consultant, the most recent annual cost came in at roughly $120,000 — resulting in a substantial savings.

“The purchase of insurance is a complicated task,” wrote Nebel, “since there are options that range from self-insurance programs, private insurance plans, and among the various plans, there are many variations in deductibles, coverages, and costs that need to be appropriately evaluated to determine which proposal is best for the city.”

Nebel also noted that once the various specifications are compiled by the consultant, local insurance agencies will be able to submit bids for consideration.

Finally, City Clerk Robin Troyer detailed the 2013 election schedule as the terms of Ray Bauer, Marilyn Burton and William Lynn will expire at the end of the year. Mayor Anthony Bosbous, who is on a two-year cycle, will also be up for reelection in November.

Candidates will need to file their declaration of intent the week of April 16-23 and return their nominating petitions by May 14. The primary is slated for Aug. 6 with the general election to be held on Nov. 5.